Walking Holidays - Krakow and Beskidy Mountains

Krakow and Beskidy Mountains

Walk the spectacular limestone mountain ranges of the Krakow and Beskidy Mountains on this self-guided holiday. Explore the unique landscape of the Carpathians, passing through charming villages, wild mountain scenery and primeval forest before finishing your holiday in the city of Krakow. With the chance to visit ancient monasteries and visit the old town of Stary Sacz, with its charming market square and historic houses, this is a trip not to be missed!

Itinerary

After arriving in Krakow you will be met by our representative who will provide you with information about the trip as well as giving you the necessary tour description and hiking maps.

Day 2: (Sunday) Lubon Wielki – Rabka

After breakfast you will be driven to a pass at a height of about 650m. The highlight of this first hike is Lubon Wielki, which rises like a wild mountain island from the valley.

The 1022m summit has some of Poland’s most charming mountain huts that look like they might belong to a fairy-tale. From there you descend to Rabka, a small spa town with many parks.

Details: approx. 4 hours | 10km | Ascent 350m / Descent 500m.

Day 3: (Monday) Rabka – Nowy Targ

The longest hike is planned for today through the forested Gorce range. The highest peak is Turbacz at 1310m. It is a long but not difficult hike without too many ascents or descents.

There are three mountain huts along the way where you can rest if necessary. There is a wonderful view of the Nowy Targ basin and of the High Tatras while descending followed by a walk through Kowaniec village to your hotel.

Details: approx. 7-8 hours | 18km | Ascent 700m / Descent 700m.

Day 4: (Tuesday) Kluszkowce – Niedzica

This is the least strenuous leg of the trip. A bus takes you from Nowy Targ to Kluszkowce. Your goal is Wdzar mountain, which at 767m is not very high, but it can be exposed. This can be reached either on foot or using the chairlift.

The mountain is a geological curiosity and offers an impressive view of the Pieniny, the Dunajec valley and two old castles in Czorsztyn and Niedzica above a man-made reservoir. You will have ample time to visit both ruins as there is a regular ferry service between the two.

Your stay tonight is in Niedzica in the Spis region, an area that once was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Details: approx. 2-3 hours | 5km | Ascent 150m / Descent 150m.

Day 5: (Wednesday) Sromowce – Szczawnica

A bus will take you to Sromowce Nizne, shortly before the point at which the Dunajec begins its wild rush. The river forms a natural border between Poland and Slovakia where it is now easy to visit the Carthusian monastery thanks to a new pedestrian bridge. The limestone peak, “Three Crowns” (Trzy Korony, 982m, 500m above the river valley!), rises majestically above the river.

Hikers are well advised to climb the mountain as well as the viewing platform before continuing on to Szczawnica. You can walk along the mountain ridge or along the Dunajec on the Pieniny trail hammered into the rocks.

A raft trip down the Dunajec gorge, however, is the most spectacular option with huge jagged rock faces going up to a height of 300m lining the two hour ride. You will spend the night in Szczawnica, an old spa resort with elegant villas and park cafes.

Details: approx. 3-6 hours | 10km | Ascent 500m / Descent 500m.

Day 6: (Thursday) Szczawnica – Rytro

For a complete change of atmosphere the hike today is in the quiet Beskid Sadecki, covered with primeval mixed forests. One option is to go to Jaworki village, where the Ruthenians once lived, with its old tavern and Orthodox church.

It is a region known for its numerous flocks of sheep still herded in the traditional way. The goal of this leg is Rytro, a small holiday village, in the deep green valley of the Poprad river.

One can see the ruins of a small 12th century castle in the distance. “Conquering” this castle will be your final hurdle of the day and sautéed trout in your hotel on the banks of the Poprad the reward for the day.

Details: approx. 6-7 hours | 15-19km | Ascent 400m / Descent 400m.

Day 7: (Friday) Final day

A bus will take you first to Stary Sacz, the oldest town of the region and one of the most attractive small cities in Poland. It boasts an impressive convent and charming market square with narrow alleys lined by small and colourful houses.

Following the tour of the city we will ride further to Krakow. The arrival in Krakow will be at 17:00 at the latest so that you can catch an evening train or flight. For those not travelling we recommend that you book an extra night in Krakow.

Travel Information

We recommend flying to Krakow and using local public transport to the tour starting point. For more information, please visit Krakow Airport.

Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport, we recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date.

Important: Please book your flights only after this trip has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights are not included in the advertised holiday price.

General, visa, passport and health information.

For passport and visa information, please check the relevant section on this page: https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports. General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website. Click here for the latest travel advice for Poland, and click here for useful ‘know before you go’ information also from the FCO. Please note that this information relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.

Travel Insurance

For details of specialist insurance for our travel packages, please visit our insurance page. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you to participate in the activities included as part of your holiday.

What’s Included?

- 6 nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner.– 3 transfers by bus: Krakow-Lubon Wielki, Niedzica-Sromowce, Rytro-Krakow.– Baggage transport between the accommodations.– Information material: Hiker’s routes with detailed descriptions of the many available options. In case of bad weather or if you are a bit under the weather we have information about how to return using public transport.

Not included:

- Lunches- Admission ticket to national parks and museums- Public transport- Boat trips at the reservoir - Raft trip down the Dunajec

Accommodation

The Krakow and Beskidy Mountains tour has 6 overnight stays with breakfast and dinner, in a range of hotels, depending on your chosen category, all of which have been carefully chosen for their location, hospitality and proximity to your tour route. All rooms have their own shower and bathroom.